Pakistan posted 299-5 in the first ODI of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka after a strong comeback on Tuesday. Pakistan struggled early as they fell to 95-4. Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga controlled the game with three key wickets. However, Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat changed the momentum with calm batting. Their scoring rate lifted the atmosphere in the stadium.
Hasaranga troubled Pakistan’s top order with sharp leg-spin. He took wickets of Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam. Pakistan looked in real trouble at that point. But Hussain survived a close lbw call that Sri Lanka could not review. This moment shifted the direction of the game.
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Salman and Hussain then built a strong partnership of 138 runs. They rotated strike well and punished loose balls. Salman reached a stylish fifty and kept the scoreboard moving. Hussain also reached his maiden ODI fifty with confidence. The crowd got louder as the momentum changed.
After Hussain departed for 62, Salman continued attacking. He reached his second ODI century off only 83 balls. Mohammad Nawaz joined him and added quick runs to lift the final total. Nawaz smashed boundaries and a six in the final overs.
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Pakistan finished at 299 thanks to Salman’s unbeaten 105 and Hussain’s 62. Nawaz added 36 off quick deliveries. The team now looks confident heading into the Sri Lankan chase. The first ODI of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka remains wide open with a competitive target on the board.